Happy Janmastami

[Hari's Chick]

Celebrate Janmastami by reading about George, Srila Prabhupada, and Lord Krishna. :flower2: George brought many of us closer to Krishna, so it's nice to think about George today as well! Om Hari Om~~~~

http://www.geocities.com/priitaa/gh_and_sp.htm

http://www.cosmicempire.freeuk.com/radhakrsnatemple.htm

What is Janmastami?

Janmastami commemorates the earthly appearance of Krishna, who is described in India's sacred writings as God Himself. One of the biggest religious festivals in the world, it is celebrated by nine hundred and thirty million people around the world--and two million in the US alone. To devotees, it’s Christmas and New Year’s in one, a day of deep spiritual renewal and celebration that effectively finishes an old year and begins a fresh one.

But why Janmastami, you may ask? What’s so special about Krishna, as opposed to any other form of God? It’s His personableness. For every devotee who offers Him love, He reciprocates in uniquely human ways. He is a mischievous son, a romantic lover, a compassionate friend. And on Janmastami, devotees celebrate Krishna in all of these aspects. For just as Krishna reciprocates individually with His relatives and confidantes, he responds to the distinct feelings and desires held most deeply in the heart of every single worshipper.

So remember that whatever way you worship Krishna on Janmastami, He will reciprocate with you accordingly. It’s a meditation that makes for an extremely rewarding devotional experience.

http://www.krishna.com/main.php?id=704

See this above Link for more ways to celebrate at home and info on what Janmastami is in more detail.

:flower1: :sun: :flower1:

[FPSHOT]

This is beautiful to read, thank you...

The Links are also worthwhile it is very nice to see them again and they have so much interesting material to read and watch.

Here is a picture of a small Janmastami celebration, which often is done at homes between families and friends

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040908/pun3.jpg

however like in India thousands will also celebrate the day out on the streets

http://www.irfwp.org/content/archives/indio.jpg

This comes from a report of the 2005 celebration:

President A P J Abdul Kalam of India and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the people on the eve of Janmashtami, expressing the hope that the occasion would foster communal harmony.

In his message, Dr Kalam said : ''On the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my people in India and abroad.

''On this auspicious festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, let us remember one of his messages from the Bhagwat Gita -- He who is free from malice towards all beings, friendly and compassionate, rid of 'I' and 'Mine', balanced in joy and sorrow, forgiving by nature, ever contented is dear to God.

''May this day strengthen our commitment to pluralism, unity and brotherhood.'' Dr Singh said the teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita have a profound significance, which continue to enlighten and guide us in our daily life.

He expressed the hope that the festival may bring peace, happiness and further cement bonds between various communities.

Happy Janmastami

[beatlebangs1964]

This is beautiful and does warm the heart.

Good point about George bringing people closer to Krishna/God. Many of George's songs are beautiful prayers he set to music, such as the stand out "Dear One." My church uses some of George's songs for our prayer meetings and other gatherings. One member at my church said that "God knew who better than a Beatle to get through to me...He could have made me a John Lennon fan, but instead I am a George Harrison fan." George's music touches and reaches people on a myriad of planes and these links and information explains that very well.

[Jocelyn]

That was very interesting to read, thanks for posting it :smile1:

Good point about George bringing people closer to Krishna/God. Many of George's songs are beautiful prayers he set to music, such as the stand out "Dear One." My church uses some of George's songs for our prayer meetings and other gatherings. One member at my church said that "God knew who better than a Beatle to get through to me...He could have made me a John Lennon fan, but instead I am a George Harrison fan." George's music touches and reaches people on a myriad of planes and these links and information explains that very well.
I totally agree, very well said :smile1: :smile1:The spiritual aspect of George's songs is probably the thing I love the most about them...

[sadie]

Thankyou for this thread, i remember witnessing Janmastami celebrations in India, really beautiful.